A Comparison Between English And Chinese Euphemism

Euphemism is a common linguistic as well as cultural phenomenon in daily life. It oils the human relationship in communication and helps to save face of communicators. Many linguists and scholars have studied the linguistic phenomenon from different angles. Based on their achievements, the author attempts to research the similarities and differences between English and Chinese euphemisms from the pragmatic and cultural aspects respectively so as to reveal the universality and specialty of euphemism in two languages.As a linguistic concept, euphemism is also a cultural phenomenon. Therefore, it reflects each nation's historical and cultural life veritably and thus bears an indiscerptible relationship with culture. This thesis starts with one of the characteristics of euphemism—a linguistic concept, and analyzes the definitions, features, construction and the relation between euphemism and language. Then, analysis is made on the relation between euphemism and linguistic culture when it is considered as a cultural phenomenon.Chapter two elaborates the connection between English & Chinese euphemism and communicative context. A large number of researches conclude that context explains euphemism and guides the speakers to choose appropriate expressive ways in some given occasions so as to be...